Automated Measurement of Lineups
Automated Measurement of Lineups (AMOL) is the technology which allows Nielsen Media Research (NMR) to track an identification code within locally transmitted TV signals for network and nationally syndicated programs. NMR is also linked by computers to networks and syndicators in order to receive their latest schedule changes. Using this technology, NMR can pin down exactly what program was shown on what channel at a particular time.
Mailable Audimeter
Nielsen quickly adapted the Audimeter for television. In 1950 there were 48 commercial TV stations broadcasting to 4.2 million TV homes. The Nielsen Television Index (NTI) began service in 1950 based on a nationwide sample of 300 households, which grew to 450 households in 1951 and 700 in 1953.
For television, Nielsen used a Mailable Audimeter which included a replaceable film cartridge that was mailed from the sample home to Nielsen every week. The NTI reports (called Pocketpieces) were issued monthly with ratings based on a combination of Mailable Audimeter estimates of TV usage and telephone coincidental estimates of program share.
This theory of AMOL is linked to when viewers see television program guides on TV telling them which program will appear at what time. If some program does not air there, another program will take its place. All of this is organized through Automated Measurement of Lineups.
AMOL can also be described as an electronic identification method used by Nielsen Media Research to decipher codes each broadcast/cable network or other program supplier assigns to their programs before distribution to a station or cable system.[1]